An Engine that is 30% More Efficient Than a Standard Engine

About one-third of energy use in the world is for internal combustion engines in cars and trucks. Given the combustion temperatures in these engines, the theoretical efficiency is over 70%, but the efficiency of present-day car engines is about 25%.

A large part of the energy loss is due to sliding friction of the pistons in the cylinders. It is well known that sliding friction can be a hundred times as great as rolling friction. If the sliding friction of pistons could be replaced by rolling friction, much higher efficiency engines could be produced.

Motor, Expander, Compressor, Hydraulics

A revolutionary new engine design called MECH that substitutes rolling friction for sliding friction in an internal combustion engine that has been patented. MECH stands for Motor, Expander, Compressor, and Hydraulics, since the same basic concept can be adapted to an internal combustion engine, a gas expander, a compressor, or a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor.

Besides having less friction, the MECH engine’s novel geometry provides three times the displacement (and hence three times the power) of a standard car engine of the same size. Or, conversely, a MECH engine of the same power as a standard engine would be one-third the size. By having a lighter, more efficient engine, energy is conserved.

Rather than having pistons that slide back and forth inside a cylinder, MECH has pistons that roll together, thus replacing sliding friction with rolling friction. The pistons do not touch the cylinder walls.

Figure 12. Computer graphic image of MECH with the head removed.

Sliding friction occurs at the ends of the pistons where special seals are installed, but since the pistons can be long compared to the diameter, this friction is small. The shafts exit through the end of the engine where they are connected to gearwheels that rotate together. A crank rod connects one of the gearwheels to a flywheel.

This design provides superior aerodynamics for the flushing of exhaust gases and the introduction of fresh fuel-air mixtures. Since the temperatures of most of the internal surfaces can run hotter than those in a standard engine, due to the fact that no lubrication is required on the cylinder walls or the sides of the rotating pistons, the efficiency will be higher, due to lower heat loss to the walls.

MECH Efficiency

It is projected that MECH efficiency will be 30% higher than a standard engine. The fact that it is lighter and smaller will allow a lighter-weight car, which will also increase gas mileage.

Modification of the valve system produces a lightweight, efficient compressor that can be used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, including automobile air-conditioners. Most of the energy used in refrigerators and air-conditioners is consumed by the compressor. Increasing compressor efficiency means less energy consumption.

Other Possibilities

• A new method of capturing ocean wave energy.
• Desalination with convection towers.
• Electrodialysis for power and fresh water production.